Gemstones 101: About Lapis Lazuli and its Benefits
Lapis Lazuli is a deep blue semi-precious stone that has been treasured for hundreds of years for its rich color and unique properties. The stone is composed mainly of lazurite, and is often accented with flecks of pyrite and white calcite.
Lapis Lazuli has been around throughout history, and has been used for a variety of purposes throughout human civilization. The ancient Egyptians used Lapis Lazuli for jewelry, cosmetics, and as a symbol of wealth and power, and the stone was also highly prized by the ancient Greeks and Romans, who used it for decorating vases, sculptures, and other objects.
In medieval times, Lapis Lazuli was ground into a powder and used as a pigment in illuminated manuscripts and paintings. The blue color of the stone was so prized that it was often referred to as "ultramarine," which means "beyond the sea."
Found in various locations around the world, including Afghanistan, Chile, Russia, and the United States, the finest quality Lapis Lazuli comes from Afghanistan, and this is often referred to as "Afghan Lapis.” Two other major notable sources are Russia and Peru.
Lapis Lazuli has a number of suggested benefits, both physical and spiritual. Physically, the stone is believed to have properties that help with headaches, depression, and insomnia. It is also believed to assist with the boosting of the immune system, improving blood circulation, and aiding in the healing of skin conditions.
Spiritually, Lapis Lazuli is believed to have a calming and soothing effect on the mind and body, and is believed to help with spiritual growth, inner peace, and the development of psychic abilities. In some cultures, the stone is also associated with wisdom, truth, and self-awareness.
But that’s not all of it. Lapis Lazuli is also believed to have powerful energetic properties, and is said to be able to help with communication, both with others and with the higher self. To practitioners of energy manipulation such as those who practice healing therapies like Reiki, the stone is often associated with protection and manifestation, assisting in the visualization of goals and desires.
Benefits aside, Lapis Lazuli is a very popular gemstone and is often used in jewelry, such as necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. It is also sometimes carved into decorative objects, such as boxes, vases, and figurines.